Ryder Cup 2025 – Who is the Favorite?
The Ryder Cup, one of the greatest sporting events in the world with millions of people tuning in to view, is being played September 26th–28th, 2025, on the Black Course of Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York.
Named after its founder, Samuel Ryder, the event began in 1927 and has been held every two years, except for a 10-year hiatus from 1937 to 1947 during World War II.
Historically, the United States leads Europe 27–15 in Ryder Cup victories. From 1927 to 1983, the Americans lost only three times. Since 1985, however, Europe has won 13 matches. A home-course advantage has been evident, with the home team winning the last five events. Europe last won on U.S. soil in 2012 at Medinah Country Club. In 2023, Europe defeated nthe United States 16.5–11.5 in Rome.
The format of the Ryder Cup is interesting.
It is a match play event with 28 total matches being played. Friday and Saturday matches are four players against four players. The first four matches will be foursomes, and each team will designate nwho will tee off on odd-numbered holes and who will tee off on even holes. Only one ball for each team will be in play. The afternoon matches will be best ball so there will be four balls in play. There will be 12 singles matches on Sunday.
This year there has been more interest in the Ryder Cup due to the naming of Kegan Bradley as Captain of the USA team. When Kegan Bradley was named the Captain on July 8th, 2024, most people didn’t believe that he would be in the running to make the team. Bradley went on to play some of the best golf of his career, winning the Traveler’s Championship and finished 11th in the Ryder Cup standings.
If he wasn’t thecaptain, he would have been picked for the team. His decision was up for debate about whether he should pick himself. Many Americans thought he should pick himself and be the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963.
Others believed his being both a captain and a player on the team could hurt Team USA chances of winning. Bradley made a selfless decision and chose not to pick himself and will serve as a full-time captain.
This year’s teams are close in ability.
However, Europe has way more experience. Their 12 members have a total of 32 years of experience in the Ryder Cup. They have only one rookie. The USA has only 15 years of experience and has four rookies.
The USA has higher ranked players with Scheffler #1, Schauffle #3, Henley #4, and Spaun #7. Europe has Mcllroy #2, Fleetwood #6, Rose #12. All the other players are ranked much lower than the USA players.
Europe has the experience, and the USA has the higher ranked players. Since the event is being played in New York with their raucous fans I think USA has something to prove and will win in a closely fought match.
This will be one of the best golf events of the year. Team golf is so much fun to watch.
Go USA
Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com
